BUSINESSES are cutting back on flights and the Assembly Government should stop subsidising the North-South air link, environmental charity WWF claims.

Research by the group found nearly half (47%) of companies had cut back on plane journeys over the past two years and 85% did not intend to return to “business as usual” flying.

Businesses stated that benefits of avoiding air travel included having fewer staff away from the office and greater staff productivity.

A full 63% of companies now have a policy in place to reduce business flights or are intending to develop one

Anne Meikle of WWF Cymru said: “It’s great that at least some good news has come out of the recession, with companies realising that cutting business flights can be both good for the planet and good for business. Businesses get it – they can fly less and still be profitable and competitive.

“Yet the Welsh Assembly Government is encouraging flying. WWF Cymru believes that this is contrary to the WAG’s vision for a low-carbon economy.”

In December it was announced the North-South air-link’s subsidy would increase from £800,000 to £1.2m. The Cardiff to Anglesey contract is held by Manx2.com with its partner FLM Aviation.

Ms Meikle said: “The Welsh Assembly Government should support these findings by investing in high-speed broadband, supporting a videoconferencing network for Wales and improving and investing in the rail network.”

“This controversial air link not only pumps thousands of tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere but has already cost the Welsh taxpayer £3.2m in public subsidy.

“We want to see a transport policy that serves the many in Wales, not the privileged few.”

An Assembly Government spokesman said: “The North- South air-link is a very small part of our overall investment in transport. We invest far more in our rail and bus network, including improved rail links between the north and south of the country.

“Our recent transport budget sees the vast majority of the funding going towards sustainable travel and public transport. We are striving to lower the nation’s carbon emissions by creating an integrated transport system that allows people to get travel easily using public transport and rely less on their cars.

“The air service is an important connection which has proved very popular with passengers and has contributed to linking up the country with both social and economic benefits.

“Our 10-year climate change strategy set outs exactly how we plan to manage our fight against climate change and achieve our ambition of a 3% year on year reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.”